Is Chicago or Grand Forks Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grand Forks is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,641 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 34% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Grand Forks has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 44.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Forks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Grand Forks, ND
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Grand Forks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,640.7 | +1,371.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 358.6 | +181.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.1 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 73.1 | -14.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 27.2 | +308.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 253.2 | -124.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,282.2 | +1,190.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 256.6 | +38.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,874.3 | +444.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 151.2 | +707.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Grand Forks safer?
Grand Forks is safer with a total crime rate of 2,641 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Grand Forks has 358.6. Grand Forks has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Grand Forks, ND
Grand Forks, a city on the Red River, is home to the University of North Dakota. Its economy is influenced by agriculture and the nearby Grand Forks Air Force Base, reflecting its position in the flat, fertile Red River Valley. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 58,848, Grand Forks has a total crime rate of 2,640.7 per 100,000 residents.